Sweating is a normal and natural part of life, especially in summer, but it can also be an indication of serious health problems - according to a doctor.
Sweating is a natural physiological process that helps regulate body temperature. The primary purpose of sweating is to cool down the body when it becomes overheated, either due to external factors such as hot weather or internal factors such as physical exertion.
When the body's internal temperature rises, such as during exercise or exposure to heat, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain, signals the sweat glands to produce sweat. Sweat is composed mostly of water, but it also contains small amounts of minerals, electrolytes, and waste products. As sweat evaporates from the skin's surface, it cools the body by dissipating heat and lowering the body's temperature.
Now Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, has explained when to seek medical help, reports the Express.
Dr Lee said: “Normal sweat – produced by eccrine glands found at sites across the whole body - doesn’t smell of anything. It is mostly made up of salt water but also contains some ammonia, urea and ethanol (alcohol).
“When this sweat is mixed with bacteria on the skin’s surface, it can smell.”
She added: “If your sweat changes smell, or if other people are commenting on this, you should take this seriously."
Acetone smell
If you have ever used nail polish remover, you must be familiar with the sharp smell of acetone that lingers in the air.
Apart from signalling the presence of nail care products, acetone smell could be pointing to diabetes.
Patients with the blood sugar condition are at risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which occurs when there is not enough insulin to break down carbohydrates for energy.
The body is then forced to burn fat, producing ketones instead.
Dr Lee said: “As a result, acetone builds up in the bloodstream and is released into the sweat.
“In DKA, acetone is released in the breath and the sweat, giving off a fruity odour – like pear drops."
Ammonia sweat
Characterised by a strong smell similar to urine, ammonia sweat could be a sign of kidney failure.
The doctor said: “Most nitrogen excretion from the body takes place in the kidney.
“When the kidney is failing, there is a buildup of urea and ammonia in the bloodstream, which is released in the breath and the sweat.
“Acute kidney failure can sometimes [occur] very suddenly.”
Rotten musty sweat
Sweating excessively is nothing uncommon in liver disease, as the condition causes the body to be overheated.
However, severe liver disease could trigger an especially unpleasant smell similar to “rotten eggs and garlic”.
“This is because the liver cannot excrete sulphur and excretes dimethyl sulphide in the sweat,” Dr Lee said.
Because many of these health problems are considered medical emergencies, the doctor recommended phoning 999 for advice if you notice stark changes in your sweat that are accompanied by other symptoms.
